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UF's Barrie, Beal Out For Year

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By MICK ELLIOTT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 13, 2008

GAINESVILLE - The seasons of two more Florida Gators have taken a knee.

Coach Urban Meyer announced Tuesday redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Jim Barrie and freshman linebacker Brendan Beal will be lost for the season because of torn ACLs.

Beal suffered his injury during Monday's practice and Barrie was injured Saturday. Beal was penciled in as the No. 2 middle linebacker behind junior Brandon Spikes.

Tight end Cornelius Ingram, who turned down the NFL to return for his senior season, tore his left ACL during Florida's second day of practice last week. Redshirt junior Dorian Munroe, a projected starter at safety, and backup redshirt senior safety John Curtis tore their ACLs in July.

"Five ACLs, that's a tough deal," Meyer said.

Meyer, however, did not question any practice routines.

"We're following pretty much the same routine," he said. "Last year, we had the high ankle sprains. Two years ago it was the shoulder. It's frustrating when guys are hurt."

INJURY LIST: A long list of bothersome, but not serious, injuries caused Meyer to push back Tuesday's planned full scrimmage until today.

"We had nine guys who couldn't scrimmage that needed game reps," Meyer said.

One of those is true freshman strong safety Will Hill, who was held out of practice for the past two days with a concussion. Sophomore cornerback Moses Jenkins also was held out the past two days with a concussion.

Star wide receiver Percy Harvin, still recovering from heel surgery in the spring, went through some drills Tuesday, but Meyer said he will not participate in today's scrimmage.

OFFENSIVE LINE DEPTH: Meyer proclaimed himself exceptionally pleased with the promise of the offensive line anchored by seniors Jason Watkins and Phil Trautwein.

"I think we have nine offensive linemen who can play at this level," he said.

MOST IMPROVED: Following Tuesday's practice Meyer went out of his way to identify "the three most improved players on the team." He cited offensive guard/tackle Marcus Gilbert, wide receiver Carl Moore and defensive tackle Lawrence Marsh.

NO LONGER MARKED: Florida's incoming freshmen are required to wear a black strip on their helmets when practice starts and must earn a battlefield promotion to have the identifying mark removed.

So far defensive end William Green, running back Jeffrey Demps, cornerback Janoris Jenkins and wide receiver Frankie Hammond Jr. have qualified.

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